iMMAP Provides a Harmonized Monitoring Tool and Training to the Ethiopia Protection Cluster to Improve the Response

Protection humanitarian response in Ethiopia has been revived and is now given more priority in inter-cluster coordination

Protection Cluster Training Session by iMMAP IMO



iMMAP has been providing the Ethiopia Protection Cluster with information management support since July 2018. Since then, the protection cluster has made remarkable achievements and progress on information management functions. Now, for the first time in the cluster, iMMAP information management officers (IMOs) have developed a harmonized and simplified 5Ws (who’s doing what, where, when and for whom) response monitoring tool, establishing an effective information collection system that will support the cluster coordination.

The IMOs systematically collect, collate and analyze protection data to produce various information management (IM) products, such as operational presence maps, site management support and a cluster dashboard showing progress against the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), among others. These products have enhanced the coordination, improved the response monitoring and supported informed decision making by the protection cluster partners and stakeholders.

In a bid to maximize the operationalization of the IM tools and products, iMMAP IMOs also implemented and delivered information management training to cluster partners in November 2019. The objective of the training was to improve partners’ skills in emergency data management and to increase the utilization of cluster-specific IM tools. This initiative has increased the consistency and quality of information obtained from partners responding to protection needs.

Furthermore, iMMAP IMOs are also proactively participating in several assessment initiatives by designing questionnaires, developing web forms and conducting training for data collectors on the usage of these tools. This has enabled the cluster to get timely information from the field regarding damage and loss (Dala), and household and community level protection situation assessments.


iMMAP IMO Delivering IM Training to Protection Cluster Actors in Ethiopia

The IMOs deployed by iMMAP to the Ethiopia Protection Cluster are strengthening and facilitating the humanitarian response, which is now given more priority in inter-cluster coordination. Thanks to the new tools developed and introduced, cluster partner agencies have improved their reporting mechanisms, which positively supports their advocacy efforts since online protection information is readily available. As such, partners are now encouraged to report their activities to the cluster through the 5Ws, as it facilitates critical and timely information that supports a strong response to the protection needs in Ethiopia.